The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 204: Chapter 204

Rowan POV:
“Easy there, Alpha. You’re still weak.”
Carson’s voice pulled me from a hazy dream. It was a dream filled with flashes of silver fur and amber eyes.
Catrina.
I opened my eyes. My vision was blurry, and my head pounded. I was in a dim room, the smell of pine and antiseptic strong in the air.
It was the Mondragon packhouse. I recognized the sterile smell.
“Where… where are we?” My wolf growled, confused.
I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my side. I gasped. My shirt was gone, replaced by bandages stained with blood.
The memories of the fight, of the Bloodmoon wolves, of Damien’s arrival, came flooding back.
“Catrina! Where is she?” My wolf snarled, panic rising in his chest. “Is she safe?”
“Easy, Rowan. You’re safe. You’re at the Mondragon packhouse.”
Carson sat beside the bed, watching me.
His eyes, usually so calm, were filled with concern, but also something else… resentment? Jealousy? It made my wolf bristle.
There was still tension between us, a reminder of his betrayal, his feelings for Isabelle.
“Catrina…” I croaked, my throat dry. “Where is she? Is she… is she alright?”
“She’s… doing okay.” Carson’s voice was carefully neutral. He looked away.
“She… held her own against Damien. She’s… stronger than we thought.”
He hesitated, then added, “The pack healer is on his way. Damien’s magic takes longer to heal.”
“I… I have to go,” I said, trying to sit up again, ignoring the pain. “I have to find her. Make sure she’s safe.”
“She needs us, Rowan.” My wolf growled. “We can’t leave her. Not with Damien out there.”
“You’re in no condition to go anywhere, Alpha,”
Carson said firmly, pushing me back against the pillows.
“Lie still. You need to rest.”
“I can’t rest, damn it! Not while she’s in danger!” I snarled, frustrated.
I hated feeling weak, helpless. I hated that I couldn't protect Catrina myself.
“We failed her, Rowan.” My wolf howled, a mournful sound. “We weren’t there for her.”
“She doesn't need you right now, Rowan,” Carson said, his voice sharp.
“She can handle herself. You need to focus on healing, on getting stronger. You need to stop… worrying her.”
“Worrying her?” I frowned. “Who are you talking about? Catrina?”
“No, Alpha.” Carson’s gaze was steady, a challenge in his eyes.
“Isabelle. She was worried sick. She almost shifted and went after you herself.”
Anger flared inside me. “As she should! She’s my fiancée! We’re about to be mated! Of course she was worried.”
“Why are you acting like this, Carson?” I asked, my voice hard. “We’re not friends. You betrayed us, remember?”
“I was trying to protect her, Rowan,” Carson said quietly, his gaze dropping to the floor.
Shame and regret were evident in his posture, in the way his usually bright eyes were now shadowed.
“I thought… I was doing the right thing. For the pack. For her.”
“You were wrong,” I said, my voice cold and hard. My Alpha voice.
“And you’re still wrong, Carson. You’re overstepping. You’re the Beta. Don’t forget your place.”
“You’re a mess, Rowan. A hypocrite. You’re pushing everyone away,” My wolf’s voice was a bitter accusation, a reminder of the darkness I’d inherited, the legacy I was trying to escape.
But even as my wolf snarled his disapproval, I felt a need to connect, to find some solace in the midst of the storm inside me.
I reached out, ignoring the pain in my side.
It was a gesture of… what? Forgiveness? Understanding? A need for connection?
“Just… stay out of my way, Carson,” I said, my voice softer now, weary.
We both carried the weight of secrets, the burden of forbidden desires.
“Please.”
He nodded, meeting my gaze for a fleeting moment.
There was a silent understanding between us, a fragile truce. And then he left, leaving me alone with my thoughts, my memories, my regrets.
“We’re a mess, Rowan.” My wolf whimpered, his voice full of despair. “We’ve pushed everyone away.”
But even as despair threatened to engulf me, a spark of hope flickered. The memory of Catrina, her scent, her touch, her love… it was a beacon in the darkness.
“We’ll find her, Rowan.” My wolf growled, his voice a low rumble of determination.
“We’ll find Catrina. And this time… we won’t let her go.”
I had to get out of here. I had to find her. The moment Carson left the room, I swung my legs off the bed and tried to stand.
Pain shot through my side, and I gasped, my hand instinctively going to the bandages.
"Damn it."
I leaned heavily against the wall, taking a deep breath. My body felt weak, shaky.
Damien’s magic had taken its toll.
“Easy, Rowan. We're not at full strength yet.” My wolf whined.
I took another shaky step, ignoring the pain, the dizziness.
I had to get to Catrina. There was no time to waste.
I reached the door and carefully opened it. A young Mondragon warrior stood guard, his eyes alert, his scent a mix of pine and… nervousness?
He was just a kid, barely older than a pup.
He’s just following orders, Rowan. Don’t blame him.
“Alpha,” he said, his voice a little shaky. “You’re supposed to be resting. The healer will be here soon.”
“I don’t have time to rest,” I growled, trying to push past him.
But he stood his ground, blocking my way.
“Alpha, please. Isabelle’s orders were clear. You’re not supposed to leave this room.”
"I appreciate your loyalty, but this is important. I need to go."
The young warrior hesitated, his eyes darting nervously between me and the hallway.
He was caught between his duty to his Alpha and the power of a Magnus Alpha’s command.
He’s scared of you, Rowan. But he’s also loyal to his pack.
“Alpha, please,” he pleaded, his voice a whisper. “If Carson finds out…”
“Carson doesn’t need to know,” I interrupted, my voice softer now, but still firm.
“I need to… take care of something. Something important. I’ll be back before anyone even notices I’m gone.”
“But… what if Isabelle asks?” The young warrior’s voice was full of worry.
"Don't worry about Isabelle. This is my responsibility. I'll handle it." I gave him a reassuring nod.
“She’ll understand.”
The warrior hesitated for a moment longer, then stepped aside, his gaze dropping.
“Yes, Alpha,” he mumbled.
I could smell his fear, his uncertainty. He knew he was breaking the rules, but he couldn't defy an Alpha.
I slipped past him, heading down the hallway, my footsteps silent, my wolf’s senses on high alert.
“Thank you, young one.” My wolf murmured, a touch of gratitude in his voice. “You’ve just saved our mate’s life.”
I moved quickly, my body aching, but the adrenaline pumping through my veins dulling the pain.
I had to get to Catrina. I had to find her before it was too late.
We’re coming, Catrina. Hold on.